As a person who loves ice skating, I spend large amounts of my time at the Bode Ice Arena. Though it is the only rink in Saint Joe, I wouldn't go there if it wasn't great. And it sure is. The friendly staff, open area to talk with friends, and reasonable prices make it an ideal place to spend some time.
First off, everyone there is very nice. Many of the employees are high school students in the Figure Skating Club that are happy to answer any questions. (They are also very understanding when you have to switch skates ten times to find the right size.) There is also always a "skate guard" on the rink. The skate guard monitors to make sure rules are followed and no one is getting hurt. You can easily identify the guard by their orange jacket.
In addition, it is understandable if you do not want to skate for the entirety of the two hour public session. There are rinkside seats and bleachers and a heated area with a concession stand. Feel free to take a break, get a drink, and talk with your friends for as long as you want. (My friends and I go almost every week and spend half of our time talking.)
Finally, the Bode Ice Arena is a great place to hang out with friends for a reasonable price. While it would cost you $10+ to go to a movie where you would barely get time to talk, you can have a great experience with your friends for only $7. ($5 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and if you have your own skates.)
However, some people may say that ice skating is lame. Maybe they don't like activity. Maybe they don't know how to skate. In the case of the latter, the Bode Ice Arena offers lessons all the way from Snowplow Sam (little kids) to Beyond Basics for $10 a week. You can also work with a private couch for an additional price.
Overall, the Bode Ice Arena is a great place to get some exercise and spend time with friends for a good price. The friendly staff only adds to it, making the Bode Ice Arena a truly ideal place to spend your time. read more